Diet for CKD

[Annica]

Just wondering what the diet is for CKD. My last test was 51 & want to know if certain foods would help.

[Hidden]

Hi,

It isn't so much what foods are good for you as it is what food contents aren't good for you. There are some things you need to know about. My last GFR was also a 51. Whatever foods you like are going to be seen through the eyes of these items: sodium, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, and proteins. First let me give you a website, davita.com on their main page you will find a menu bar. Along the bar will be a drop-down menu. Find the Recipe section and click on there. You'll find meals for every time of day, including snacks. Many meals are seasonal, depending on items easy to find during that season. What's important is that for each recipe they tell you the breakdown of each meal for the items listed above. No guessing and no relying on labels. Labels, I might add that don't always list everything you need to watch for to maintain and control your CKD and stay healthy.

Before you venture too far down that road you should consider finding a Renal Dietitian and bringing your last few lab results with you to show. The RD will guide you towards the proper restrictions based on those results. For example, I have to keep my proteins down to about 8 oz. per day (spread throughout the day) with no red meat. You can't and shouldn't eliminate any of those five items because a certain amount is necessary to help you maintain good health without overburdening your kidneys.

It may sound daunting but once you commit yourself to this, it's not so bad. I found out about my CKD almost five months ago now and the only thing I regret is the decision I made about not going out to eat anymore. Many people still do and are very careful in what they eat. I made the decision that since I couldn't have what I liked it would be easier to do my open prep at home and control what went into the meal.

One more thing. When you go to the website you'll be able to register for a free class on CKD in your area. Register and attend and get many questions answered.

Best of luck. Come back often to share.

[Annica in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your help. Nice to know one can turn to someone for help.

Thanks again

[orangecity41 in reply to Hidden]

Mr Kidney.. a very good post with viable information. The renal diet is working for me also

[curleytop1]

Hello Annica, You have not told us whether you were given any dietary information or been told to restrict your intake of anything like potassium (which I have to do) or phosphorus etc. so it is rather tricky to give any precise information. I have found it very useful to memorise the fruits and vegetables that are low in potassium and I try to keep exclusively to these. I have discovered that various things, like cows milk and hard cheeses and most fish and red meat are high in potassium, as are 'healthy' things like pulses (peas, beans and chickpeas), lentils, and even potatoes, bananas and tomatoes. I used Google to find out the potassium levels of everything I like (yes, it did take time but it is essential for one's health to know what is best to eat) and have made some simple meal plans which suit me - I also eat low cholesterol and mostly gluten free as much as I can, and have done this for many years. It is also important to use as little salt as possible, and avoid the salt substitutes available as they are very high in potassium (lemon juice can often be used instead or one can get used to not using salt at all, just a little pepper and herbs). I was also told to avoid all coffee, and sugar substitutes (I had been using the latter as a way of reducing my weight, which is an ongoing problem for me).

If you live in the UK there are quite a few NHS Hospital Renal Departments whose medical staff/patients have information websites about kidney diets (Guy's and St Thomas's NHS Foundation Trust is one, also St. George's Kidney Patients Association).

Above all, try not to worry too much, do the best you can, and I hope you will soon feel better about your situation; don't forget to come back to us all and tell us how you are getting on - I'm sure we are all on this Forum to help and encourage each other. Best wishes Curleytop1.